This past summer, I used my STEP funds to finance living accommodations in Chicago. During that time, I worked as a marketing intern at RCN which is a cable, internet, and phone company.
My internship and time in Chicago were incredibly formative and transformational for both personal and professional reasons. Personally, I learned a lot about time management, organization, and just “adulting” in general. Because I was so busy with my first full time job, I got a taste of what it will be like in the real world. I had to learn about work/life balance for the first time and had a lot of fun doing it!
Professionally, I dove head first into the workforce with no prior experience in an office job. I learned so much about how offices operate as well as how the marketing industry operates as it related to my job position. I took a lot of initiative and went above and beyond my job description which allowed me to learn of my workplace capabilities.
The key aspects of the project that lead to my transformation were the fact that I was finally living in the city of my dreams, I did a phenomenal job at my first professional job, and I met so many incredible people. Being in Chicago was a great wake-up call and motivator to graduate next semester so that I can get a good job and move back there. There is something about being in the city that you know you want to live in forever that makes everyday life doable and fun.
At my internship, I took a lot of initiative and always completed my projects thoroughly and on time. I continuously impressed my supervisors and made sure I took any critiques positively and with great value. This was such a great time for me to do real marketing work for a large company and actually see the results. Specifically, I created a training program for the high school sales interns so that they would have some organized direction that’s they seemed to be lacking when I arrived. This was a great way for me to take on a leadership role within the company that wasn’t necessarily assigned to me.
Finally, in and out of the internship, I met some amazing people that have really helped me grow as a person. Many of my supervisors at RCN were able to provide some very valuable advice that has truly helped me develop as a professional. However socially, I met some people that are great friends and people who have really helped build my network. They have introduced me to the beauty of Chicago’s community and I am so grateful for this experience.
The changes I have experienced this past Summer can be applied to every aspect of my life. Academically, I can apply my marketing experience to my coursework to help me better understand concepts. Professionally, I now have a great network of people who are truly rooting for my success and have offered to help me through this journey.
As these changes relate to my future plans, I have already envisioned an incredibly successful and happy life in Chicago, and this Summer helped solidify that vision. I am so excited to finish my last year at Ohio State and move on to the professional world in Chicago!
